How often to you bathe a newborn

How often should you bathe your baby, from birth through early childhood? | Pediatrics | Your Pregnancy Matters

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Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters

August 23, 2021

Pediatrics; Your Pregnancy Matters

Jessica Morse, M. D. Pediatrics

Whether it’s time, frequency, or water depth, less is best when bathing your baby.

One of the most common questions new parents ask has recently become the focus of an ongoing social media debate among celebrity parents, including Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis, and Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell: How often should I bathe my baby?

Some parents bathe their babies daily as part of a bedtime routine or due to regular baby messes, from extra spit-up to diaper blowouts. But for most families, bathing the baby two to three times a week is plenty after the first couple of weeks of life.

In fact, we recommend delaying your newborn’s first full bath for at least two weeks. Newborns shed about three layers of skin within their first week, which often surprises new parents. Their skin is still adjusting to the dry air, so it’s perfectly normal. You can prevent further skin irritation by moisturizing your baby with chemical-free lotion and washing their clothes with a gentle, chemical-free detergent before dressing them.

After that first two-week period, it’s OK to bathe your baby a couple times a week. You can follow this schedule through your child’s elementary school years. Of course, you should modify the bath schedule based on your baby’s skin health and your family’s lifestyle.

3 benefits of delaying your newborn’s first bath

Temperature regulation

During delivery, your baby experiences a sudden contrast in climate as they enter a dry environment from the fluid-filled amniotic sac. This causes their skin to easily dry out, crack, and peel – especially when babies are born further along in the gestation period.

Prevent dry skin

Your baby will be born with a coating of vernix caseosa on their skin. This creamy, waxy build-up consists mostly of water, lipids, and proteins and promotes better temperature regulation and softer skin after birth.

Frequent bathing results in drier skin at any age. So, to help prevent dry skin, we wait up to 24 hours before wiping off the vernix caseosa. However, if the mother has an infection that could be transmitted to the baby, such as HIV or herpes, we clean the newborn right away.

Breastfeeding benefits

Studies have shown that delaying baby’s first bath can also lead to more success with breastfeeding, as it increases skin-to-skin contact between the baby and mother. And by staying warmer longer, babies are less tired and irritated when learning to latch.

Related reading: 5 tips for successful breastfeeding

Newborn bathing tips

During the first two weeks of life, we recommend giving your newborn sponge baths a couple of times a week using room-temperature water, a soft cloth, and a gentle baby soap free of dyes and scents. Starting with the head and ending with their diaper area, you should lightly stroke their skin, paying close attention to creases, folds, elbows, knees, fingers, and toes.

Carefully avoid the umbilical cord. Keeping it dry will allow it to fall off and heal. If you immerse your baby in water before this happens, the umbilical cord will take longer to fall off or develop an infection called omphalitis, which can spread to surrounding tissues quickly and become dangerous. In rare instances, it can be life-threatening.

Baby bathing basics

After two weeks, you can submerge more of your baby’s body in water, but always keep two key factors in mind:

Water depth: You only need a few inches of water for the first couple of years. A baby bath seat, while not necessary, can help keep your baby upright and steady. Most importantly, never leave your baby unattended in the bath, whether they’re in the kitchen sink or a full-size tub. They can slip under the water in seconds.
Temperature: Babies’ skin is sensitive and can burn quickly. Check the water temperature before placing your baby in the bath; it should be 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. We also recommend lowering your water heater temperature settings so if the tap is accidentally bumped or adjusted during the bath, it can’t get hot enough to harm the baby.

If traditional bathing methods prove frustrating for you and your baby, you can try a swaddle bath. Studies have shown it is less stressful for premature infants, and it can ease you into bathing. To perform a swaddle bath, wrap your baby loosely in a swaddling cloth and gently place them in the water, up to their shoulders. Uncover, wash, and rinse one body part at a time to help your baby stay warmer and calmer.

Whichever method you choose, the bath should only last five to 10 minutes. Apply a fragrance-free lotion afterward to help prevent dryness.

Clean and clear – special circumstances

When you’re bathing your baby two or three times a week, skin hygiene is critical:

Stool can quickly irritate the skin, so change your baby’s diapers frequently, and wipe thoroughly – using a front-to-back motion for female babies.
While bathing a circumcised male baby, shake the water slightly so it runs over the penis. Do the same for an uncircumcised male, but gently retract the foreskin first – you won’t be able to pull it back very far, so don’t force it or worry you’re not being thorough.
If your baby has cradle cap, a scalp condition that causes scaly patches to appear on the skin, you can wash the affected area with an anti-dandruff shampoo or gently rub it with a soft brush and baby oil. Use a gentle, circular motion to pull up the skin flakes; rubbing too hard can pull out hair and the underlying layers of skin.

Use the same brushing method for skin rashes, such as eczema or diaper dermatitis. Harsh soaps can cause rash flare-ups, which is another reason to use mild, chemical-free soaps and bathe your baby less often. After cleaning the affected areas, apply a thick layer of Vaseline or Aquaphor to moisturize the skin and protect it from further irritation. Use more than you think you need; most new parents don’t use enough.

Create your own routine

As your child gets older, their bathing cadence can continue to be around three times a week. The older they get, the more they tend to run around and get dirty or sweaty, so bathing frequency should vary based on their activity level.

Some families prefer to create a bedtime routine for their baby as soon as possible, and this typically includes a bath, followed by a feeding. For other families, bath time is a bonding experience or a fun way for their child to play. If daily baths (or showers for older children) work best for your child and lifestyle, be sure to sufficiently and consistently moisturize their skin.

One thing we always emphasize with new parents: Whether your child is 6 months or 16 years old, do what works best for you. What matters is that they’re safe and clean. Other than that, no two families’ bathing habits need to be the same.

Want to feel more prepared for childbirth and baby-care basics? Call 214-633-6640 to enroll in prenatal classes today. To request a new patient appointment, call 214-645-8300 or request one online.

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How Often Should You Bathe Your Baby?

Few things are more nerve-wracking than bathing a newborn. Not only can they feel impossibly fragile, you may worry about whether they’re warm or comfortable enough and if you’re doing a sufficiently thorough job.

Whether you’re bathing your first baby for the first time or are on baby number three, you may still have newborn bathing questions, the most pressing being, “How often should I bathe my baby?”

While longtime best practice has been to bathe baby right after delivery, newer research suggests that delaying the first bath may be beneficial.

A 2019 study including nearly 1,000 babies found that waiting at least 12 hours after birth may promote breastfeeding. Additionally, another 2019 study including 73 infants suggested that a bath after 48 hours helps keep newborns at a steady temperature and aids skin development.

At any rate, it’s likely that the nurses will give baby their first bath, but you can always watch what they do and ask for tips for bathing at home.

Once you get home, you’ll want to bathe your newborn one to two times per week until their umbilical stump falls off. Until this happens, don’t submerge their body in water. Instead, use a warm washcloth and give them a gentle sponge bath starting with their head and face and working your way downward.

If baby spits up or dribbles milk as they feed, you can wipe them down a little more frequently, taking particular care of their face and neck areas. If the mess is coming from the other end, you may need to give a bath to clean up diaper blowouts as well. But unless there is a mess, they really don’t need a daily bath at this age.

During the early months of your baby’s life, you’ll want to continue bathing them one to two times per week. Once they no longer have their umbilical stump, you can begin giving them more traditional baths.

To do this, fill a baby bathtub partway with warm water and let them sit and splash as you wash them all over with water and a gentle baby soap. You can use damp washcloths to cover them and keep them warm during the bath. Again, you can start with their face and head and work your way downward.

Another way to bathe baby at this age is to bring them into the bath or shower with you. If you choose to bathe or shower with your little one, it can help to have a set of hands to pass your baby to when you’re ready to get out of the tub. They can be very slippery, so it’s important to be extra cautious.

It’s also important to remember that adults generally prefer much warmer water than babies do. Aim to keep the temperature lukewarm, and your babe will likely be happy for the bath time cuddles.

As your little one grows, you may want to change up their bath routine a little bit. At this age babies still only need a bath one to two times per week, but if they seem to enjoy the water or like splashing as they get clean, you can consider bathing them more frequently.

Many parents also take advantage of diaper and outfit changes to give their baby a quick wipe down and make sure that all their important parts are clean. If you do choose to bathe your little one more than twice a week, consider using soap for only one or two of their baths to avoid drying out their skin. After bath time, you can moisturize baby with a gentle, fragrance- and dye-free lotion.

Once baby becomes mobile and starts eating solids, you may decide you need to begin bathing them more frequently. While they still only really need one to two soapy baths per week, you can either give them a sponge bath or put them in the tub to soak and rinse off more frequently as messes arise.

You might also find that bath time is a pleasant way to calm baby down before bedtime. If this works for you, it’s perfectly OK to make a bath part of your calming nighttime routine at this age.

While it may feel odd to bathe your baby so infrequently, babies simply don’t need to bathe as often as adults. They don’t sweat or get dirty in the same way as older people, and their skin is much more sensitive than that of adults. Frequent bathing can actually do more harm than good.

To avoid drying out baby’s skin and worsening conditions like eczema, bathe your little one to two times per week and wash them with a mild, fragrance- and dye-free soap. When you get them out of the bath, pat them dry before applying a dye- and fragrance-free baby moisturizer and promptly dressing them.

If your little one has a known skin condition, consult their pediatrician to make a plan for exactly what products and routines you can follow to help them stay comfortable.

Bathing a baby is a delicate process. You want to be sure that your little one is getting squeaky clean, but you also need to be sure that you’re being gentle and that baby is comfortable. Check out the tips below to make bathing an easier and more effective process:

Start at the top. Experts recommend starting any bath by gently washing your little one’s hair and face. After that, use a washcloth to work your way downward, soaping and rinsing your baby as you go.
Focus on the folds. Most babies have rolls or folds along their thighs, neck, and wrists. These folds are adorable but can also trap bacteria, dead skin cells, and things like spit-up and dribbled milk. As you bathe your little one, focus on thoroughly washing and rinsing their folds and rolls.
Don’t forget the hands and feet. Babies tend to suck on their fingers and toes, so it’s extra important to get these parts clean. Use a soapy washcloth and gently spread their fingers and toes to make sure you get their hands and feet as clean as possible.
Try the sink. If you have a portable baby bathtub, chances are it fits neatly in your kitchen skin. Try giving your back a break by bathing your little one in the sink instead of the bathtub while they’re still young enough to be immobile. Once your little one can roll or scoot, it’s time to move baths into the tub to avoid any accidents.
Give co-bathing a shot. There’s nothing sweeter than enjoying a nice warm bath with your little one. Once your babe is able to take a real bath, consider hopping in with them and washing and cleaning them from within the tub. If you don’t feel comfortable being nude with your little one, you can always hop into a swimsuit for the occasion.
Be careful with siblings. If your baby has an older sibling, you may want to save time and energy by bathing them together. Once your little one can sit comfortably on their own, this is usually fine. Although, before your baby is able to sit on their own, you’ll want to skip sibling baths to avoid your baby being bumped, jostled, or splashed as they adjust to the water.
Aim for mild products. When selecting the soap, shampoo, and lotion you’ll use for your baby, aim for products that are dye- and fragrance-free. While scented bubble bath products might be lots of fun for a toddler, they can dry out or irritate an infant’s skin and should be avoided. Whatever you choose, be consistent and do your best to avoid trying out new products if the ones you have work well and don’t irritate your baby’s skin.

Remember to never leave baby in the bath untended, even briefly.

In the first year of your baby’s life, you really only need to bathe them once or twice per week.

Start with sponge baths until their umbilical stump falls off and then begin bathing them gently in the sink or tub. As they grow, babies may require more frequent baths as they get messier or start having fun in the tub.

As long as you use gentle products and don’t notice any issues with your baby’s skin, you can indulge their bath time joy as they grow!

how often, at what time, what temperature should the water be

When can a newborn be bathed after the maternity hospital?

WHO recommends the first bath of a newborn at least 24 hours after delivery. The infant is born covered with primordial lubrication, or vernix, a mixture of sebum, epidermal exfoliation, and remnants of vellus hair that protects its skin in the womb. Vernix has an antimicrobial effect and helps to maintain the balance of fluid on the skin surface, so it is important not to wash off the film on the first day.

After discharge from the maternity hospital, you can bathe the baby on the same evening - however, if you spent a lot of time on the road, returned late and were tired, you can safely postpone the procedure until morning.

The umbilical wound of the baby heals within a few days and is not a contraindication for water procedures, so do not be afraid of the bath and clean the baby with wet wipes - this method does not replace a full bath. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask your doctor.

How to bathe a newborn baby?

We figured out when you can bathe a newborn after the maternity hospital - now it is important to understand the algorithm of actions. The rules for bathing newborns are simple, but at first you can reread them before the procedure in order to remember all the details of caring for a baby at home.

When is the best time to bathe a newborn?

There is no clear rule at what time it is better to bathe a newborn baby up to 1 month old. Some prefer to bathe the baby in the morning when he is in a good mood and ready for a new day. Others take it in the evening, before feeding, as warm water relaxes and soothes the baby. If, after bathing, on the contrary, he falls asleep for a long time, transfer water procedures to the morning. The main thing is to teach him to swim at the same time, daytime or evening, to develop a routine. Also, do not properly wash a newborn baby immediately after feeding or when he is hungry.

How to bathe a newborn?

As a rule, bathing a newborn baby for the first time at home is recommended in a bath, it is more convenient and safer. A two-month-old baby can splash in an adult bath, which must be thoroughly washed before each procedure for hygiene reasons. What to bathe in is not so important for the newborn himself, so focus on your comfort.

The most important rule is to follow safety precautions. The child should not be left alone in the bathroom even for a few seconds. While he is in the water, an adult holds him constantly with at least one hand in order to react in case of a sudden movement of the baby. Before bathing, prepare a towel, clean clothes, soap, shampoo, and other necessary items at arm's length so as not to go for them.

How many degrees should the water be for bathing a baby?

The optimum warmth of water for an infant is around 37°C, according to its body temperature, so that it does not freeze or overheat. Get a water thermometer and don't rely on folk methods like checking your temperature with your elbow. The technique is much more reliable! Feelings can deceive you by several degrees, and for the delicate skin of a child, such a difference is critical.

Parents are worried about how many degrees of water should be for bathing a newborn, but the temperature in the bathroom itself is no less important. It should be warm and humid here, up to 24 ° C. When you have undressed the baby, immediately immerse him in water so that he does not have time to freeze.

Newborn bath products

Pediatricians believe that bathing a newborn baby with plain water is sufficient. If necessary, you can connect to help special tools that are suitable for babies. They have a delicate composition that takes into account the characteristics of the skin of the crumbs.

You can pay attention to a cleanser that does not contain soap, fragrances. Lipikar Syndet AP+ Lipid-replenishing cream-gel for face and body gently cleanses without stinging eyes and softens the skin.

How often should you bathe a newborn with detergent? No more than 1-2 times a week to keep the hydrolipid mantle of the baby's skin.

How to properly wash a newborn?

How to properly bathe a newborn baby in a bath to cleanse the delicate skin of impurities?

Have your baby's towel, bath products, diaper and clean clothes ready and put them near the tub. Ask the second parent or someone close to insure you the first few times to feel more confident.
Draw water. Before immersing the baby, additionally check the temperature, even if it was checked a couple of minutes ago.
Slowly lower the baby into the tub, starting with the feet. For the first time, act as carefully as possible so that the baby is comfortable and pleasant - this is how you form a positive reaction to bathing.
Check the position of the baby: head and neck on your left forearm, with the same hand supporting the shoulders. The bath with a slide simplifies the task, in it the child automatically takes the desired position.
Gently rinse your face, head and body with your right hand. Rinse every skin fold and area behind the ears where dirt accumulates. Lastly, clean the perineum, both in the boy and in the girl.

How long can I bathe my baby?

The optimal duration of the first bath is about 5 minutes, then the time can be increased to 10 minutes or more. The duration of water procedures depends on the nature of the baby, but usually at 3 months, children like to splash in the water for 20-30 minutes and have fun with their favorite toys. The kid himself will tell you how long to bathe him: when signs of fatigue appear, it's time to dry off and sleep!

How often should a newborn be bathed?

The opinion of doctors about the frequency of bathing a newborn varies. Some believe that a bath can be taken every day, others that three baths a week are enough, until the baby crawls, actively collecting dust and bacteria from the floor and other surfaces. Bathing too often dries the skin and disrupts the formation of a natural protective barrier, too little leads to the accumulation of microbes in the skin folds, rashes and irritation. How often to bathe a newborn baby up to a month old, when and at what age to start bathing daily, you decide - watch the baby and his reaction to water procedures.

What to do after swimming?

Now it's clearer how to bathe a newborn, but what to do next? When you get the baby out of the water, it is important not to let him freeze - to do this, immediately wrap him in a warm towel and take him to the changing table. Do not allow a sharp temperature difference between the bathroom and the bedroom. Gently blot the baby's entire body, especially the skin folds - do not rub! Put on a cotton cap if your hair is already long to protect your head from hypothermia. Leave the cap on until your hair is dry. You don't need to wear it for days.

After water procedures, it is necessary to use a special baby oil or moisturizer that is suitable for the delicate skin of an infant. Lipikar Baume AP+M is a triple action lipid replenishing balm for the face and body of infants, children and adults. The texture is quickly absorbed, moisturizes and visibly soothes baby skin, restores the protective barrier.

Error 404 | Regional perinatal center

Dear patients!!!

⚡⚡⚡ Closing for planned disinfection of obstetric hospitals of the Regional Perinatal Center is scheduled for the period from 08:00 October 17 to 08:00 October 31, 2022.

During the closing period, the following will be admitted:
- pregnant women and women in labor up to 33 weeks 6 days inclusive,
- gynecological patients for planned surgical interventions.
High-risk pregnant women in terms of 34 weeks or more, as well as gynecological patients for emergency care, during the specified period, are hospitalized at Clinical Hospital No. 9.

Reason: Order of the Department of Health and Pharmacy of the Yaroslavl Region dated October 11, 2022 No. 1277.

P.S. In December 2022, there will be no closure for disinfection.

⚡⚡⚡

Taking into account the epidemiological situation, there is currently a restriction on visits to inpatient departments of the Perinatal Center.

⚡⚡⚡

The Department of Health and Pharmacy of the Yaroslavl Region informs that within the framework of the implementation of the standard pilot project "Reproductive Health", approved by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Golikova T. A. dated November 25, 2021 No. 12752p-P12, regular meetings of citizens with experts on problematic issues of reproductive health continue.

Meetings are held every Saturday on the Reproductive Health channel, which is available at the links:

https://rutube.ru/channel/25385590/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpEP5EFRcqul2Ae6Y6RbGuA

https ://vk.com/popsovet.

Questions to experts are accepted by e-mail: [email protected].

Schedule of the educational project "Reproductive Health" for August - December 2022

No.	Date	Time	Expert	Subject name
1.	13.08	10-00	O.M. Drapkina A.B. Hecht	Obesity as an interdisciplinary problem. Prevention and correction of eating disorders. Proper nutrition and psychological aspects of women's health disorders.
2.	20.08	10-00	O.I. Apolichin	Modern possibilities of drug and surgical treatment of disorders of male reproductive health. Assisted reproductive technologies for male infertility.
3.	27.08	10-00	M.F. Ippolitova	Pregnancy, childbirth and abortion in adolescents. Features of preventive examination of minors. Modern methods of contraception for adolescents and youth.
4.	3.09	9-00	L.V. Adamyan	Uterine fibroids: asymptomatic, symptomatic. family forms. Possible options for examination and treatment.
5.	10.09	10-00	A.B. Hecht (R.G. Akzhigitov)	Consequences of COVID-19 in women (post-COVID syndrome).
6.	17.09	10-00	A. D. Kaprin	Prostate cancer and stereotypes of male reproductive health. The possibilities of modern medicine and the right attitude to one's health.
7.	24.09	10-00	E.E. Voronin L.Yu. Afonina	HIV, hepatitis and pregnancy. Prevention of HIV and hepatitis among young people.
8.	1.10	10-00	I.V. Soldiers	Benign dysplasia of the mammary glands. Precancerous diseases and risk factors for the development of malignant neoplasms of the breast. What you need to know: simple answers to women's questions.
9.	8.10	10-00	N.V. Mokrysheva	"Letters to my son": what endocrine aspects of reproductive health do we need to tell adolescents
10.	15.10	10-00	A.D. Kaprin M.V. Kiseleva	Reproductive health of cancer patients: opportunities to become parents are real.
11.	10/22	10-00	A.B. Hecht	Prevention of postpartum depression, including during periods of limited social interaction. Postcovid syndrome.
12.	29.10	10-00	N.V. Mokrysheva	Family planning for diabetes and thyroid disease: what to look for.
13.	5.11	10-00	A.A. Steam horse	Oncology and pregnancy: preservation of reproductive function, preparation and management of pregnancy in oncological diseases.
14.	12.11	10-00	A.A. Olina E.V. Uvarova	Teenage pregnancy: abortion cannot be delivered. Where to put a punctuation mark or what to do in a difficult situation?
15.	11/19	10-00	L.V. Adamyan	Modern aesthetic and plastic gynecology. The unity of beauty, sexuality and psychological comfort.
16.	11/26	10-00	O.I. Apolichin	We are what we eat. Nutrition and male fertility. What and how to eat, drink to maintain fertility?
17.	03.12	10-00	N.V. Dolgushin O.I. Apolichin A.A. Olina	Medical genetic counseling for pregnancy planning. Assisted reproductive technologies, family assistance programs. Inefficiency of ART and ways to overcome it.
18.	10.12	10-00	N.G. Mokrysheva	Beyond genes: the role of parents in childhood obesity. The impact of obesity on the somatic, psychological and social well-being of children and adolescents.
19.	17.12	10-00	Final event	New opportunities in medicine and reproduction ( genetics, immunology, cell technology, endocrinology, reproductive surgery, gynecology, urology, oncology ).

⚡⚡⚡ Partner birth has resumed.

GBUZ YaO "Regional Perinatal Center", based on letters from the Head of the Rospotrebnadzor Administration for the Yaroslavl Region dated March 21, 2022 No. 76-00-04 / 41-1099-2022, dated 04.20.2022 No. 76-00-04 / 48-1632-2022 and dated 07.01.2022 No. 76-00-04 / 41-2515-2022, informs about the possibility of partner childbirth from 03.23.2022, subject to the following conditions: the partner has a QR code about vaccination, as well as a PCR test made no later than 48 hours before delivery (!!!express test is not accepted).

On the basis of clause 811. Decree of the Chief State Sanitary Doctor of the Russian Federation dated January 28, 2021 No. 4 “On approval of sanitary rules and norms SanPiN 3.3686-21 “Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for the prevention of infectious diseases”, who is present at partner childbirth, is obliged to provide the result of an examination for tuberculosis (fluorography of the chest organs) not older than 1 year.

In addition, the future father needs to have a passport, a change of shoes (clean rubber slippers), a change of clean clothes (t-shirt and pants), a pair of clean handkerchiefs, a pack of wet antibacterial wipes and a small bottle of drinking water.